MMA

John Moraga vs. John Dodson added to UFC Fight Night card in Albuquerque

The UFC’s first trip to New Mexico just got a little more exciting as a pair of top ranked flyweights has officially been added to the card.

On Wednesday, the UFC announced former title challengers John Moraga and John Dodson will square off the second time.

The two previously met at Nemesis Fighting: MMA Global Invasion in the Dominican Republic back in 2010 where fans saw Dodson earn the unanimous decision victory before heading the bright lights of the UFC. Now four years later, these two octagon warriors will meet again in a bout that could reshape the top of the flyweight division for the foreseeable future.

Moraga, currently ranked number six at 125-pounds according to the Power MMA rankings, is coming off a close split decision victory over Dustin Ortiz at UFC Fight Night 35 back in January. Prior to this victory, Maryvale’s proudest son saw his seven-fight win streak snapped at the hands of UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson in the main event of UFC on Fox 8. While a win over Dodson may not be enough to earn the former Sun Devil an immediate shot at Johnson, it would propel Moraga into the top 5 of the flyweight division and within one victory from earning his second title shot.

Since winning The Ultimate Fighter 17 bantamweight tournament, Dodson has amassed a record of 4-1 inside a UFC octagon with his lone loss coming at the hands of Johnson in the main event of UFC on Fox 6. His most recent victory was a knockout of the night performance over Darrell Montague at UFC 166 back in October. Now currently ranked number three at 125-pound according the Power MMA rankings, an impressive win over Moraga could be enough to earn the New Mexico native another shot at Johnson’s title.

This event is scheduled to take place June 7 at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, NM. The main events is set to feature former UFC Lightweight champion Benson Henderson squaring off against Dodson’s teammate Rustam Khabilov.